Windstream Corp. wants a federal judge to affirm its authority to reduce retiree benefits even when the people affected retired from other phone companies that Windstream acquired over the years.

But the retirees argue that Little Rock, Arkansas, based Windstream and the companies it acquired -- Lincoln, Nebraska based Aliant Communications and its predecessor Lincoln Telephone Company -- promised to maintain retirement benefits.

A federal judge will hear arguments in the case on December 15.

In court documents, Windstream argues it has an absolute right to make any changes it wants to the retiree benefit plans. The retirees counter that they earned those benefits by working for the company at least 15 years.

Attorney David Domina, who represents the retirees, the benefits should be considered vested and permanent.

An attorney for the company did not immediately respond to a message Wednesday and a Windstream spokesman declined to comment.